16-29 NOV. 2020
Onsite + Online
L'Alternativa

Introduction

L’Alternativa 2020:  Onsite  + Online

In the light of the latest restrictions introduced by the Catalan government in response to the current public health situation, we have had to take the tough but necessary decision to cancel all onsite screenings and activities at l’Alternativa 2020 and move the entire festival fully online.

With all cinemas in Catalonia now closed for the immediate future, and with no certainty as to how circumstances will develop, it no longer makes sense to continue planning for an onsite festival. We believe the responsible thing now is to focus all our efforts on ensuring that our online screenings and activities receive maximum attention and run as smoothly as possible.

From 16 to 29 November 2020, the following sections will be available online (the vast majority, on Filmin): the three official sections—International Feature Films, International Short Films and Spanish Films—the opening and closing films, our screenings for families and a number of films from this year’s parallel sections and l’Alternativa Hall.

Most of the activities open to the public and industry professionals will shift from a dual onsite/online option to a fully online format.

Although since the spring, and up until the very last moment, we have striven to offer this year’s festival in a dual format, we have been under no illusions about how unpredictable this year might turn out to be. Now we shall endeavour to do our utmost to enable and encourage online audiences to discover this year’s no-holds-barred films by acclaimed directors and up-and-coming filmmakers. At the same time, however, as steadfast believers in the vital importance of onsite, in-person events, we will take every opportunity to stand up for culture as a means of bringing people together and will never tire of championing cinemas as the natural and unrivalled environment for watching films in all their glory. Long live cinemas, festivals and culture as meeting places for coming face to face with others.

L’Alternativa
27th Barcelona Independent Film Festival
16–29 November 2020